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Indigenous perspectives on breaking bad news: ethical considerations for healthcare providers

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 90
Authors:
  • Cassim S et al.
Summary:

The experiences of Māori patients with lung cancer and their whānau in receiving bad news were collected via 23 semi-structured interviews and 9 focus groups in 4 districts in the Midland region of New Zealand. Best practice included understanding the centrality of the healthcare provider-patient relationship and whānau ties in the healthcare journey, as well as providing patients with the full range of viable treatment options including hope, clear advice and guidance. The study findings hold implications for providing culturally safe and humanistic cancer care when breaking bad news to Māori and indigenous patients.

Comment:
A really important paper. For me it highlights that clinical ‘best practice’ in Aotearoa has been inherited from elsewhere. However, when there is meaningful engagement with Māori, there is an opportunity to deconstruct the ‘old’ and reconstruct something new/better for everyone.
Reference: J Med Ethics. 2021 Jan 8. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2020-106916. Epub ahead of print.
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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